Unanimous MVP Shohei Ohtani’s Unusual Move Raises Eyebrows Amid Free Agency Speculation

Whether it’s being a 2-way phenom or a 2 time MVP, Shohei Ohtani seems to love this number. Nevertheless, the limitless Shotime is sure to go above and beyond. And he did, as he created history this Thursday. Even with all the buzz surrounding his name, the 29-year-old has kept the media yearning for his presence. Like never before. 

Ohtani, who has not spoken to the media since August 9th, has multiple subjects to touch upon. Amid the chatter about his 2nd AL MVP win, creating a record, and recovery from surgery, there is one booming question. What about his free agency? Well, that secret still remains concealed. With that, it is fair to say that Shohei is a ‘limited edition’. 

Shohei Ohtani’s Mysterious Win After A Record-Breaking Feat

Let’s rewind by one degree. On Thursday, the unicorn who won the American League title on Thursday became the 2x ‘unanimous’ Most Valuable Player after mesmerizing the MLB world. His extraordinary blend of elite hitting and pitching, despite playing on 135 games, is a stark proof that the 3x All-Star was a unanimous choice. But a strange incident accompanied the win. Why was the phenom not there to receive the award? 

Ohtani did not say anything during the scheduled media call, even though he made an appearance with a dog on his lap during the televised Major League Baseball Network announcement. Major League Baseball stated that the Oshu-born was unavailable because of uncontrollable circumstances. His absence hinted at the fact that he did not want to address any additional questions surrounding his condition of free agency. The Japanese phenom has been silent with reporters since two weeks before his pitching injury, which required surgery and will keep him off the mound until 2025.

There was much conjecture that this ‘GOAT’ would sign the first-ever $500 million contract in baseball history. This was, prior to his injury, sustained while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. It required surgery on his right elbow on September 19. Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018, however following the most recent procedure, his agent, Nez Balelo, did not provide all the details of the surgery. While that could possibility be the reason he was not there to collect his award, one can’t help but celebrate the victory. 

More Details On The Recent MVP Announcement

After voting, Ohtani garnered 420 points and all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s ballot. He was voted in second place last year, behind Aaron Judge of the Yankees. And was named the MVP by unanimous vote in 2021.

Read More: Not Just Baseball: The ‘Boring’ Subject That Shohei Ohtani Was Surprisingly Passionate About

Ronald Acuña Jr. of Atlanta took home the National League trophy. This year was the first since the awards’ inception in 1931 that winners in each league were voted with unanimity. 21 MVPs have been chosen unanimously so far in history. 

Watch This Story : Young Shohei Ohtani’s Journey To Elite Hitting Proving His Little League Coach Wrong